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Top 10 toys to look out for at the toy sales

By Emma Watson |

Hooray! It's toy sale time again when all the major department stores and toy shops slash their toy prices! This is the best time of year to grab a bargain for your kids, or to stock up on all those party and Christmas gifts for the year. To help you pick the best and most popular toys we've asked toy expert and Toys “R” Us General Managing Director of Marketing, Darren John Aquilina what his predictions are for the hottest toys at the July sales.

Here are his top 10 picks of the 2012 winter toy sales (note, all prices are for Toys "R" Us. The discounts may differ at other stores during the sales):

1) LEGO Star Wars Ewok Attack

Star wars-themed Lego is the coolest thing right now, with television series and movies introducing a whole new generation to the action-packed world of lightsabres and jedi knights. "Film-inspired fun is a huge trend at the moment," says Aquilina, who adds that Star Wars is still as popular as ever. With a treetop hideout, stone launcher, log trap, secret compartment and retractable ladder, this LEGO pack equals hours of imaginative play in a box.

2) Jumptek 14ft trampoline and enclosure

At 50 percent off, it's no wonder this trampoline is predicted to be one of Toys "R" Us' best sellers during sale time. "This trampoline is a fantastic bargain for active families," says Aquilina. The Jumptek features a strong, weather-resistant frame and a high enclosure to keep your kids safe. While a trampoline may not be the kind of toy you can discreetly hide away until Christmas, at half price you may just give in to an early birthday present for the kids.

3) Leapfrog Leap Pad Explorer

Grab a bargain at the sales on the latest in education technology with the Leapfrog Leap Pad Explorer. Talk about high-tech, this award-winning gadget gives the iPad a run for its money with more than 100 games, ebooks, downloadable apps and even a handy pen for kids to practice their handwriting. "The Leap Pad remains to be one of the most in-demand products within stores and we expect that at this price it will continue to fly off of shelves," says Aquilina. Available in pink or green.

4) Robofish Shark

The incredible Robofish Shark mimics the movement of a real shark when placed in water and is packed with the latest technology, making it a must-have toy among tech-savvy kids. "The super cool techno-toy Robofish is the hottest toy under $10," confirms Aquilina. Psst, these small intelligent sharks also make a fun Christmas stocking filler with a difference and are also great to have stashed away for those times when you need to pull a present out of your hat.

5) Monster High dolls

Too ghoul for school, these sassy fashionistas are the latest must-have craze for girls aged 6-12 years. Though they might freak out some parents, girls just love playing with the Monster High characters and their creepy-but-cute pets. "These collectable dolls are amongst the top toys for girls for under $20 this July. Demand for this range has always been high and we don’t see it slipping anytime soon, especially at this price," says Aquilina.

6) Spider-Man Megablaster Webshooter with glove

"With The Amazing Spider-Man hitting cinemas these holidays, the Mega Blaster Webshooter set is expected to be a top seller," says Aquilina. The clever glove lets kids fire web fluid, or water, just like their favourite superhero does by simply bending their fingers. With Spider Man back on the scene every boy who dreams of being bitten by a radioactive spider will want one of these!

7) Lalaloopsy large dolls

Has your child discovered the latest doll craze sweeping the nation? Lalaloopsy rag dolls have gorgeous outfits, happy faces and their very own cute pet for kids to snuggle. Kids of all ages love to collect them and during the sales it's a good time to pick up a few and put them aside for birthdays or Christmas."The magical ragamuffin dolls are still a top seller at Toys'R'Us," says Aquilina who adds that during the toy sale the large dolls will be almost 60 percent off.

8) Fijit Friends

Fijits are Mattel's biggest launch this year and are set to take the toy market by storm. Voted as International Girl Toy of the Year, these quirky dancing robots are sure to be on the top of your child's wish-list."One of the hottest new toys this winter, Fijit is every girl’s best friend! These adorable robotic toys talk, dance and laugh," says Aquilina.

9) Roaring Raa Raa

The hottest soft toy for younger children at the moment is this feisty interactive feline and TV star, Raa Raa. According to Aquilina, "The roaring Raa Raa is 'roarsome' fun for fans of the ABC’s popular show." To make him roar, kids simply press his head down and Raa Raa himself will let out a realistic roaring sound. The snugly lion also makes a cuddly night toy.

10) Skylanders Adventure Starter Pack

Those clever people at Nintendo have created a whole new way of game-playing with their amazing Skylander series. They have combined a traditional video game with figurines that the kids can use to interact with what's on the screen. "One of the big toy trends for 2012 is interactive tech games, so we expect the Skylanders Adventure pack at this special reduced price will be a big hit with young gamers this July toy sale," says Aquilina.